Bilateral renal dysplasia in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Abstract

Renal dysplasia is a histological diagnosis characterised by disorganised architecture of the renal cortex and medulla with disrupted nephron differentiation and primitive ducts surrounded by collarettes of the mesenchymal tissue. This condition has been reported once previously in ferrets as a component of multiple congenital abnormalities of the urogenital tract. A 1.5‐year‐old, male, neutered ferret was presented after being found minimally responsive under a fallen shelf in its enclosure. The ferret was obtunded, with mild intermittent muscle tremors and severe dehydration. Survey radiographs, including thoracic and abdominal ventrodorsal and right and left lateral views, were performed to assess for general trauma. The right renal silhouette was normal in size, and the left was moderately reduced. The capsular margins of both renal silhouettes were moderately undulating and mildly indistinct with perirenal retroperitoneal striations. No signs of trauma or other abnormalities were identified. Whole blood biochemical analysis demonstrated elevated creatinine, elevated blood urea nitrogen, hypernatraemia, hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hyperproteinemia characterised by hyperalbuminemia and haemoconcentration. The hypernatraemia and mentation failed to improve with intravenous fluid therapy, and the ferret was euthanased. Bilateral renal dysplasia was confirmed via gross postmortem examination and histopathology.